Maharashtra imposes water rationing as Gujarat dams stay below capacity amid El Niño

The state of Maharashtra announced the implementation of water rationing measures as part of its response to an emerging water shortage. The decision follows reports that major reservoirs in neighboring Gujarat have not reached full capacity, raising concerns about the overall water balance in the region.

Meteorological agencies have warned that the El Niño phenomenon, which began influencing the Indian subcontinent this month, is suppressing the southwest monsoon. Reduced rainfall has led to lower inflows into dams across western India, prompting authorities to enforce usage restrictions to conserve the dwindling supply.

Maharashtra's water department has instructed households and commercial establishments to limit non-essential usage, such as garden irrigation and car washing, and to adhere to scheduled water supply timings. Officials emphasized that the rationing is a temporary measure aimed at preventing a severe crisis during the peak summer months.

The situation underscores the broader impact of El Niño on India's water resources, with agricultural and industrial sectors in both Maharashtra and Gujarat likely to feel the strain if monsoon deficits persist.